Vocational Studies in Horticulture to Be Implemented in Schools Across Himachal Pradesh, Announces Education Minister Rohit Thakur
Himachal Pradesh to Introduce Horticulture as a Vocational Subject in Schools
In a significant move aimed at maximizing the impact of flagship programs across the state, Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur has announced that horticulture will be introduced as a vocational subject in schools affiliated with the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education (HPBOSE).
The decision was made during a review meeting with senior education officials in early August 2025. The current status is that HPBOSE has been instructed to prepare a suitable curriculum for the horticulture vocational subject and submit the proposal within two weeks from the announcement date.
This move is expected to provide students with valuable skills and knowledge in the horticulture sector, which is a significant industry in Himachal Pradesh. The introduction of horticulture as a vocational subject is a critical step towards equipping the future generation with the necessary skills for employment and entrepreneurship in this sector.
In addition to the focus on horticulture, the review meeting also highlighted the strategic importance of other initiatives in shaping the future of education within the state. The Education Department discussed the revival of other important academic subjects like Public Administration in colleges to broaden student choices. The State Education Minister also conducted a review of several educational initiatives, including the Rajiv Gandhi Model Day Boarding Schools project and the Atal Adarsh Vidyalayas.
Concerns and directives related to the repair of schools damaged by recent natural calamities and the efficient use of related funds were also discussed during the meeting. The Education Minister apprised Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union Education Minister, of the damages caused to educational institutions in the State.
Stringent directives were issued to accelerate the hiring process for all vacant positions across various educational institutions. The timely recruitment of qualified teaching staff and administrative personnel is deemed critical for ensuring the unhindered operation and qualitative delivery of education services.
The State Education Minister has sympathetically considered the genuine demands of school management committee teachers and has forwarded the matter of promotion of Principals to the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission. The department has also completed all formalities related to pending promotions.
The State Education Minister urged the Centre to release the pending Rs 180 crore under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) scheme. The aim is to maximize the impact of these flagship programs across the state and ensure the delivery of quality education services to all students.
In conclusion, the introduction of horticulture as a vocational subject in schools is a significant step towards equipping the future generation with the necessary skills for employment and entrepreneurship in the horticulture sector. The HPBOSE is currently developing the curriculum for the new subject, and the proposal is expected to be submitted shortly. The next critical step will be the rollout of the subject in schools.
The decision to introduce horticulture as a vocational subject in schools is also a welcome step towards education-and-self-development, as it will encourage learning in this sector, providing students with valuable skills and knowledge. Additionally, the review meeting emphasized the importance of broadening student choices, discussing the revival of academic subjects like Public Administration in colleges, thus promoting learning and education-and-self-development in various areas.
